Even as the Department of Tourism has not been able to push and showcase its Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary to tourists effectively, Goan son, Savio Fonseca and a 75-year-old UK national, Anne Claire Ketteringham, took over an initiative by forming a Facebook page “Birds of Goa” to bring the bird lovers flock together.
The page, which was launched in December 2013 has nearly 10,000 members with 10 administrators and is active by several ornithologists and bird lovers chipping in with their content in pictures and descriptions. Goa is blessed by the presence of over 425 different species of birds. The page not only is encouraging people to shoot the birds, obviously with their SLR cameras, but have also engaged people to learn more and exchange content about different species of birds that exists in Goa.
The “Birds of Goa” Facebook group is an informal gathering of people from around Goa, India and the world over having a common interest in following the rich bird life in Goa. “The Group was founded in December 2013 without any grand expectations and was formed primarily to list the various species seen across Goa. Over the next few months, the group has grown in membership in exponential terms which was never imagined by its founders. Further, the membership includes professionals like doctors from all disciplines, advocates, engineers, dentists, homeopaths, teachers, students, college principals and even a cancer scientist,” said Savio Fonseca to Herald.
Besides the membership, the content posted in the group has increased multifold in diversity and in quality. “By diversity, we mean new species that were never seen or known in Goa have found a mention and even photographs on the group. By quality, we mean we find the quality of photographs being posted are of world class and even well known photographers from across India have been posting their experiences and images on the Group,” added Fonseca.
Another aspect of the group is the disciplined nature and respect for each other by the members. Members share their experiences and get useful hints about birds and use of equipment on the group. The Group has evolved into a portal of bird lovers from across the world who are curious for details and information on organising their bird trips to Goa. “Hence we have partnered with Goa Tourism in helping them formulate an initiative of developing trails and giving bird tourism a serious boost in years to come since it helps the local community financially and gives conservation a boost as more awareness is created on the ground,” added Savio Fonseca.
